Snail Mail or Email: the Holiday Card Conundrum

My inbox is filled with electronic holiday cards while my (snail) mailbox is decidedly emptier. There’s not necessarily anything wrong with this. In fact, there’s plenty that’s right.

E-cards are, of course, better for the planet. Billions of paper greeting cards are purchased each year – if laid end to end they would circle the globe many times over. Making them requires a lot of paper, most of it not recycled, and inks, many of them toxic. Transport and delivery use fuel, create emissions and most are eventually tossed in the trash, adding to our waste stream.

And yet – lest I sound like the Grinch – getting an e-card isn’t as satisfying as finding that distinctive envelope amongst the bills and junk in your mailbox and the delight of opening it and smiling at the sentiment. I’ve received a lot of wonderful e-cards this season – thanks to all for sending them – but none has pleased like the paper cards.

A recent article in The Washington Post confirms that fewer people are sending holiday cards by snail mail this year. If you’re among the many who miss the paper, here are some suggestions for (almost) guilt free card giving. Buy cards made from recycled paper and soy inks. Cut them up and use for gift tags, or give to the kids for arts and craft projects. Make them into ornaments to hang on the tree. Check out other suggestions at Earth911.

Happy holidays to all.